Greece is most known for its cosmopolitan island destinations, the most popular being Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros, among others. Although the Cyclades offer great opportunities for partying, socializing, and a vibrant nightlife, there are many quiet Greek islands perfect for laid-back holidays, close to nature and away from the crowds.
Here’s a list of 15 of the less touristy Greek islands to put in your bucket list:
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Best Quiet Islands to Visit in Greece
Kasos
Kasos is an unspoiled Greek island, the southernmost in the Aegean Sea, located in the Dodecanese region, in the district of Karpathos. Its remote location makes it a relatively unknown destination, but its rugged, raw landscape is a true paradise!
You can stroll and marvel at the old port of Bouka, built around 2,000 years ago, or visit one of the picturesque and very traditional villages of Pounta or Panagia for hiking and tasting the local cuisine. Another highlight of the island is the church of Agios Mammas.
The beaches of Kasos are true isolated gems of crystal-clear turquoise and emerald waters. Don’t miss Ammouas Beach and Antiperatos. Another option is to approach virgin beaches, such as Marmara (Marble), by boat.
Where to stay in Kasos:
Theoxenia Kasos offers boutique apartment-style accommodation in Panagia Village. The port of Bouka is only a 15-minute walk away. Theoxenia offers spacious rooms with fully equipped kitchens and living spaces. It is perfect for a couple or a family. They also provide a daily cleaning service as well as a hamper of local goodies like jam and honey. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Meltemi Studios: Located in an amazing location overlooking a panorama of endless blue, this hotel offers luxury and comfort. Sunsets from the terrace are breathtaking, and the beach is located 5 minutes away from Emporio beach. Click here for more information and to check prices.
Lemnos
Another quiet Greek island, Lemnos, is situated in North Aegean, near Thassos. It is an ideal natural paradise, with sandy beaches and high waves on the Eastern coast, perfect for windsurfing.
In Lemnos, you can also find archaeological sites such as Kavirio and ancient Poliochni and the Medieval castle of Myrina. For those eager to explore more, there is the option of visiting the thrilling Philoctetes cave, which takes its name from a Greek hero of mythology.
Where to stay in Lemnos:
Artemis Traditional Hotel: Near a wonderful beach in Mirina, this hotel is a restored 19th-century building offering a cozy atmosphere and renowned Greek hospitality! – Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Archontiko Hotel: Another traditional accommodation option, this hotel has wonderful classical decoration and a beautiful courtyard, all within walking distance from various shops and the beach! Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Ithaca
The mythical island of Ithaca, the homeland of the legendary Odysseus, is a hidden gem of the Ionian Sea. Like all Ionian islands, Ithaca’s coastline is surrounded by the lush vegetation of pine trees, providing shade and protection.
The wonderful beaches of Ithaca offer a variety of options, sandy or rocky, organized or completely isolated. The waters are crystal-clear and refreshing, and the landscape will never fail to amaze you.
You can also visit the picturesque villages of Perachori and Anoyi, the former known for the panoramic views and the latter for its amazing and peculiar rock formations.
Where to stay in Ithaca:
Wineland Ithaca offers two apartments perfect for families or couples. The apartments are located in an older house set within a vineyard and olive grove. The apartments are spacious and offer panoramic views of the Ionian Sea from their private terraces. The apartments are located near Vathy and many beaches. It is highly recommended to rent a car. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Perantzada Art Hotel: This boutique hotel is situated at the wonderful location of the port of Vathy. It is a restored 19th-century building that showcases stunning masterpieces of modern art. It offers private verandas and airy rooms, all conveniently located near shops and taverns. Click here for more information and to book your stay.
Kythira
Just opposite the eastern peninsula of the Peloponnese, the picturesque but quiet island of Kythira offers countless possibilities for wonderful holidays. From magnificent beaches and secret caves to isolated coves and inviting beaches, this island begs to be explored. In Kythira, you will also find lush forests and waterfalls for great hiking excursions.
Where to stay in Kythira:
Kythea Resort: Equipped with a restaurant, a bar, and a large pool for swimming and sunbathing, this luxurious resort offers great views and comfort. This modern hotel is located in Agia Pelagia village, just 600 meters from the center. Click here for more information.
Romantica Hotel: This comfortable hotel decorated in bright pastel colors is the perfect place to stay, with a great breakfast and just 5 minutes from the beach of Agia Pelagia. Click here for more information.
Kastellorizo
One of the most remote and less touristy Greek islands, Kastelorizo is one of the Dodecanese islands, situated just opposite the Turkish coastline. It features some neo-classical buildings with colorful elements near the port.
The best places to visit include Castello Rosso, a medieval castle built by knights, the 18th-century Mosque, and the cobblestone fishing village, where all Kastelorizo locals reside.
Where to stay in Kastellorizo:
Megisti Hotel: With spectacular views of the cape and the harbor, this hotel offers spacious, airy rooms with breakfast included and high-quality services. The location is stunning and the staff is quite hospitable. Click here for more information.
Poseidon: This resort consists of two neoclassical buildings of exquisite beauty, which boast a garden and sea view, conveniently located 30 meters away from the beach and 300 meters from the main port. Click here for more information.
Halki
The remote island of Halki near Rhodes features stunning secluded beaches, including Kania and Potamos, most of which are accessible on foot only. The traditional and quiet Greek island is a beautiful destination, with lots to see, including; the three windmills, a bell tower, and another castle of the Knights of St. John.
Where to stay in Halki:
Aretanassa Hotel: This high-quality hotel in Halki is housed in a historical building used for sponge-making. The location is exceptional, with panoramic sea and mountain views via beautiful windows of airy rooms. Click here for more information.
Atlantis Houses: Furnished with modern equipment and comfortable amenities, Atlantis houses overlook the beautiful harbor of Halki. The houses are fully equipped and combine traditional architecture with modern touches. Click here for more information.
Lipsi
The peaceful island complex of Lipsi in the Dodecanese is a place to relax and recharge. Its most noteworthy beaches are Kambos, Katsadia, Tourkomnima, and Platis Gialos.
The hillsides of the island are decorated with beautiful churches, such as the monastery of Aghios Ioannis (Saint John), the Theologian, the Ecclesiastical-Folklore Museum, and the Panaghia of Haros icon.
Where to stay in Lipsoi:
Nefeli Villas Ta Liopetra Lipsi: The wonderful villa offers a terrace, a barbecue, and a nice garden with a great sea view. Built with traditional-looking stone on the preface, this self-catering resort is in an ideal location to relax and avoid the fuss. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Michalis Studios: Centrally located and just 2 km from the beach of Tourkomnima, this resort offers balcony views over the mountain and free private parking. The host is very friendly and helpful. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Fourni
The tiny but inhabited island of Fournoi is situated between Ikaria, Samos, and Patmos and it makes for an idyllic getaway for summer relaxation. The island showcases some small traditional villages and the landmark Aegean windmills. Don’t miss tasting the traditional local cuisine in small taverns around or trying out the local specialties such as thyme honey and fresh fish.
Where to stay in Fournoi:
Patras Apartments: Just next to the port, this apartment resort is only 300 meters away from the beach, with a stunning sea view. The traditional white-washed apartments have colorful details and offer a lush garden to relax. Click here for more information.
Bilios Apartments: The resort offers spacious rooms with incredible views over the port, the sea, and the village. The staff is very friendly, and the location is convenient, just near the port and amidst cafés and shops. Click here for more information.
Samothraki
The virgin island of Samothraki is a paradise on earth. With its tall mountaintop Selene standing imposingly above the lush green wilderness, this gem of northern Aegean is a unique sight.
The island is most known for the endless hiking trails along gorges and riversides, as well as the little pools of fresh water springing here and there all around the mountain. Perfect for nature lovers and off-the-grid adventurers.
Where to stay in Samothraki:
Niki Beach Hotel: This wonderful 3-star-hotel resort is located by the sea in Kamariotissa and features wonderfully lit rooms and incredible views of the sea and the swimming pool area. The hosts are very friendly and helpful. Click here for more information.
Samothraki Beach Apartments & Suites Hotel: Situated just above Makrilies beach, just 500 meters away from the port, the luxurious resort offers spacious, luxurious rooms and boasts an outdoor swimming pool and lounge area. You can enjoy the seafront view and relax by the pool. Click here for more information.
Skyros
A part of the Sporades, Skyros is a beautiful, raw landscape of rugged coastlines, traditional Aegean architecture, and some Venetian influences.
Don’t miss strolling around in Chora to marvel at the cube-shaped houses and the Venetian castle remnants. In this part of the island, you can also find a large forested area. The most known beaches are Molis and Atsitsa.
Where to stay in Skyros:
Skyros Ammos Hotel: This modern hotel offers bright rooms with terraces and canopies overlooking the endless Aegean blue. The rooms are decorated with white and brown earthly tones and the resort offers a swimming pool and a bar. Click here to check the latest prices.
Aelia Collection Suites: Aelia Collection Suites offers private suites with their private swimming pool and balconies with views over the pool, the sea, and the garden. Luxuriously furnished and equipped with all amenities, these suites guarantee you’ll find your peace and quiet. Click here to check the latest prices.
Anafi
Anafi island is volcanic, just like Santorini, with wild landscapes of barren rocks and stark contrasts. It is situated in the traditional Cyclades, and its capital, Chora, decorates the hills with white-washed jewel houses and cobalt-blue window frames.
The island is known for the Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa upon the imposing monolith, as well as for Kleisidi and Livoskopos beach.
Where to stay in Anafi:
Golden Beach Resort: The luxurious resort in Anafi offers unforgettable experiences of the sea view from the infinity pool, friendly and helpful staff, and great drinks. Breakfast is included. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Apollon Village Hotel: Apollon Village is situated in an exceptional location and boasts comfortable rooms, minimally decorated but equipped with everything. The views over the terrace, the garden, the sea, and the mountain are beyond beautiful. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Tilos
Another jewel of the Dodecanese, Tilos is an untouched island of stone-built old dwellings, hills, and rare flowers. Tilos is an ecological park and a place of immeasurable value for bird species and other flora and fauna. Remains of dwarf elephants were found on the island, dating back to 4,000 years ago.
Where to stay in Tilos:
Eleni Beach Hotel: Set just on the beachfront of Livadia, this accommodation offers various facilities, such as a garden and fully equipped, air-conditioned rooms. Rooms come with balconies of incredible views. Click here to book your stay.
Seva’s Studios: Spacious rooms and a quiet location are the highlights of this resort in the village of Livadia. Everything is within walking distance, including the beach, and the staff is always on hand. Click here to book your stay.
Iraklia
Between Ios and Naxos lies a photogenic island of the Small Cyclades, with the unparalleled natural beauty of turquoise waters and wild landscapes.
Perfect for trekking and hiking, Iraklia has a lot to see, including the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and the Cave of St. John, with stalactites and stalagmites, that take your breath away. Famous beaches include Livadi and Agios Georgios.
Where to stay in Iraklia:
Kritamos Suites: The modern and bright Kritamos Suites are situated near Livadi Beach. Decorated with minimal white tones and modern Cycladic touches, these suites are like paradise on Earth. Click here for more information.
Villa Zografos: This villa is at an excellent location on a hill near Livadi beach. Rooms with private balconies offer views over the sea and the islands of Schoinousa and Koufonisi. A communal garden is available, and breakfast is exceptional. Click here for more information.
Schinousa
Schoinousa, or the island of the sun, is also a part of the Small Cyclades complex. The two villages of Chora and Messaria are amidst green hills and valleys.
You can choose from 18 beaches on the island, most of which are sandy with crystal clear waters. Don’t forget to try out fava bean, a local specialty, and great staple food for many dishes.
Where to stay in Schoinousa:
Hotel Theasis Luxury Suites: The high-class suites offer an amazing location and great accommodation, with hospitality and quietness. Access is within walking distance. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Mersini: Mersini offers bright, spacious rooms with views over the quintessential small Greek island. The location offers tranquility, and the hosts are very hospitable and friendly. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Donousa
In the northern part of the Small Cyclades, the islet of Donousa lies just 16 km away from Naxos. Although lesser-known, it is definitely worth exploring and perfect for isolated travelers. The village of Stavros, with its beautiful sandy beach, is a must-visit, as well as Mersini village and the church of Agia Sofia.
Where to stay in Donousa:
Astrofegia Guest House: This whole house accommodation in the center of Donousa is decorated in the Cyclades theme. It offers balcony views over the Aegean with bougainvilleas and quaint furniture. Click here for more information.
Asterias House: This lovely studio is painted in white with blue details and offers amazing views. The location is convenient, and the host is very helpful and accommodating. Click here for more information.